Curated by the United Arab Emirates Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, this panel discussion sheds light on the challenges associated with growing food in the desert and the innovative agricultural solutions to tackle these issues. Panelists discuss how agricultural innovations are important in the UAE, and how achieving food security goes beyond 'growing more food' with emphasis on environmental protection in the process. The panel also explains how educating the next generation of dreamers and investing heavily in empowering them helps further the UAE's food security and innovation agenda.

Keynote panelists include Aphisith Joe Phangsavanh (Lead Project Manager at Sarya Holding, Smart Acres), Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi (Acting Director General at the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture - ICBA), and Yazen Al Kodmani (Operations Manager at Emirates Bio Farm). The session is moderated by Kelsey Warner, Future Editor at The National.

Growing Food in the Desert: Agricultural Innovations

UAE | Growing Food in the Desert: Agricultural Innovations

Join a panel discussion on the challenges of growing food in the desert and the innovative solutions to tackle these issues. Organised by the UAE Pavilion.

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Inside Expo_New

The Powerhouse Pavilions

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Witness sustainability in action as the pavilion's 28 wings open to reveal solar (photovoltaic) panels.

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The UAE Pavilion's breathtaking oculus takes the form of the Expo 2020 logo.

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UAE Image Gallery

Open-heartedness and ambition are values captured by the UAE Pavilion, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. The remarkable building is reminiscent of a falcon in flight, inspired by our national bird. Once inside, go on a multisensory journey that chronicles the rise of a nation of “dreamers who do”. Traverse a dreamlike landscape filled with dunes of real sand to learn about our nation’s founding father Sheikh Zayed, the natural wonders of the Emirates and their rapid modernisation. Be inspired by stories of the UAE dreamers building an inclusive future as the desert sun filters through the pavilion’s oculus. 

The design of the UAE Pavilion evokes a falcon in flight; referencing the Emirates’ traditional art of falconry. The main building resembles a titanic oval, with a grand, four storey entrance set into the tip. More than 25 feather-like panels are arranged at the dome of the pavilion, each curving down toward the entry of the structure. 

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and powerful

Graceful

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UAE Pavilion's Dreamer Dialogues | Growing Food in the Desert: Agricultural Innovations

In sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, women produce up to 80 percent of basic foodstuffs. In Asia, women cultivate 50 to 90 percent of the rice yield yearly. In Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America, women's home gardens represent some of the most complex agricultural systems in the nation. Yet, women still eat least, and eat last.
The challenges are many and multifaceted, ranging from poor irrigation systems, lack of access to mechanization and equipment, as well as complex supply chains and inadequate infrastructure. However, affecting women most directly are property rights, which are further exasperated by patriarchic societal norms, laws, and traditions that continue to hinder women's access from owning and inheriting land.
On average, women-run farms produce 20 to 30 percent less than farms run by men. The reasons for this crop gap, according to the FAO, have nothing to do with an aptitude for farming and everything to do with the gender-specific obstacles. Gender parity in agriculture is essential. Every $1 invested in a woman who farms turns into $31 worth of benefits for her family and her community (CARE International, 2020). In feminising agriculture, there are several ways to better accommodate women.
Women need to be included in the process of modernisation too, so they can learn new techniques such as how to programme drones, analyse weather pattern data, assess seed types, or operate a robot tractor remotely. Rural women and women in agriculture are key to lifting communities out of poverty and ending food insecurity. By neglecting them, we are neglecting an opportunity that could change and save lives. 

Developing a Gender-Equitable Agricultural Sector

From Farmer to Boss Lady: Developing a Gender-Equitable Agricultural Sector

In collaboration with the United States, thought leaders, changemakers and visionaries come together to discuss the development of a gender-equitable agriculture sector.

From Farmer to Boss Lady Session Programme

Inside Expo: The Brave Women

Women's Pavilion - Audio Guide

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Women's Pavilion Image gallery

Women make tremendous contributions to the world, yet many remain unknown or forgotten. The Women’s Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier at Expo 2020 challenges this imbalance by taking visitors on a journey through the remarkable achievements of women across the globe. Our showcase underscores the principle that “When women thrive, all of humanity thrives”.

The pavilion showcases the exceptional accomplishments of women, world-famous and unknown. Immerse yourself in the triumphs of women through history, discover the journeys women have taken to claim their equality and dive into the stories of the inspirational women shaping our future.


Globe-spanning tour of women’s achievements and ongoing challenges

Multisensory exhibition created by actor/artist Mélanie Laurent and Emirati artists

Majlis-inspired social space for live conversations and events

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Reflecting the UAE’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality, the Women’s Pavilion serves as a catalyst for social transformation, both in Dubai and far beyond. By championing exceptional women, it aims to inspire dialogue, shatter gender misconceptions, and leave a lasting legacy of positive change for women worldwide.

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inspiring change

Championing women, 

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Dr Suzie Newman (L), Head - International Development, Institute for Plant & Food Research, New Zealand, Elizabeth Nsimadala (C), President of Eastern Africa Farmers Federation, Uganda, Silvia Cruz-Vargas (Virtual) Director of International

Dr Suzie Newman, Head - International Development, Institute for Plant & Food Research, New Zealand speaks during Women’s World Majlis From Farmer to Boss Lady Developing a gender-equitable agricultural sector at the Women-s Pavilion m53

Dr Varsha Bhagat-Ganguly, Professor, Nirma University and Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy of Administration, India speaks during Women’s World Majlis From Farmer to Boss Lady Developing a gender-equitable agricultural sector at the Women-s P

Elizabeth Nsimadala President of Eastern Africa Farmers Federation, Uganda speaks during Women’s World Majlis From Farmer to Boss Lady Developing a gender-equitable agricultural sector at the Women-s Pavilion m53085

Image Gallery

From farm to plate, the food value chain is an integral part of society, providing income and livelihoods for billions. The ways in which we currently cultivate food by means of deforestation and food waste however, are all contributing adversely to climate change. Expo will serve as a platform to bring together all stakeholders in various value chains to spotlight localized solutions to food, nutrition and farming challenges. The programme will explore food sustainably, climate-friendly agriculture and other practices that work in harmony with the environment. 


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How do we sustainably grow food to meet future demand?

Food, Agriculture & Livelihoods Week

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USA Image Gallery

From the 18th-century writers of the Declaration of Independence to the creators of today’s smartphones and social-media networks, innovation and love of liberty have always been at the very core of America’s identity. The USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 celebrates these twin national pillars with an immersive exploration of the past and future of the American spirit.

Hop on board a moving walkway and see the sights across several large exhibit areas. Attractions include dynamic digital presentations on America’s history of innovation, a fun ceiling-displayed science narrative, an enormous replica space rocket and much more.

The United States Pavilion centres on a broad façade decorated with a modular pattern of large white metal stars, evoking the American flag. A screen of lofty vertical metal slats stands perpendicular to the left edge of the structure, bordering a walkway that leads guests inside, while a wide roof screen overhangs the full length of the façade, providing shade.

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of liberty

A beacon

United States Pavilion

Women's World Majlis | From Farmer to Boss Lady

Back in 2015, United Nations unveiled the Sustainable Development Goals as a means to work towards a better future. Expo 2020 Dubai’s purpose embodies the two main pillars of these goals: sustainability and opportunity. The global COVID-19 pandemic has further proved the urgency of this global agenda. As this mega-event takes place, Expo 2020 Dubai will become the center of commitment and action in ensuring that no one is left behind. The Leave No One Behind Track of Expo 2020 Dubai's Programme for People and Planet features a tapestry of event series that spotlight the importance of opportunity for all, gender equality and much more.

Catalysing Opportunity for All

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Leave No One Behind

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Under the title “New Perspectives”, the Women’s World Majlis programme invites you to recognise a fundamental principle: when women thrive, humanity thrives.

The programme highlights the impact women have made on society and shines a light on their often forgotten contributions. By shifting perspectives, we embrace the infinite approaches to a more balanced world.

A common vision for a unique collaboration; sustainable development goals and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous world cannot be achieved without gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Sharing this vision, Expo 2020 Dubai and Cartier celebrate women changemakers around the globe, asserting our conviction that innovative collaboration between the private sector, civil society and committed individuals is the pathway to meaningful change.

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Women's Pavilion

When women thrive, humanity thrives. A common vision for a unique collaboration.

Women’s Pavilion Majlis

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Globalisation and modernisation have caused an unprecedented paradigm shift that forced the world to seek more innovative ways for sustainable livelihood, and Africa is no different. In this session, Sierra Leone Pavilion sheds light on the agricultural sector, discussing the country's strategies to place West Africa in a well positioned trajectory midst the fourth development revolution. Representatives from the Sierra Leone Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Abu Bakarr Karim, and from Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Emma Josephine Kowa Jalloh, are also joining the session to outline investment opportunities in Sierra Leone and the Mano River Union.

Modernisation in Sustainable Agriculture

In this session, Sierra Leone Pavilion sheds light on the agricultural sector in West Africa, and outlines investment opportunities in Sierra Leone and the Mano River Union.

H&W Business Forum

Located close to the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai, adjacent to Al Wasl Plaza, the Business Connect Centre is a space that International Participants can utilise for events, workshops and meetings. The BCC is also host to Chambers of Commerce and trade entities from the GCC, helping to connect businesses to their counterparts. 

BCC: Business Connect Centre

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Sierra Leone

Blessed with white-sand beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, rainforests teeming with life and determined, open-hearted citizens, Sierra Leone is a haven for nature and innovation. At the Sierra Leone Pavilion, the West African nation offers a vibrant journey through its legacy of freedom and ascent to prosperity. Tour Sierra Leonian culture through video and audio activations, trace its path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and tap your feet in time to elaborately costumed traditional masquerade performances.


Sierra Leone Pavilion

Sierra Leone: Modernisation in Sustainable Agriculture

Africa presents a huge opportunity for business in food & agribusiness on multiple fronts. With its vast resources and agricultural productive capacity on one hand and its growing population and economic levels on the other, the continent is well poised for any partner in food business that is seeking to grow its market and/or its sourcing through inclusive supply chains. However, despite all its potential there still exist some challenges faced in initiating and optimizing global partnerships in the food sector. This session explores some successful models and the strategies applied, while also interrogating the challenges that remain as a barrier to entry for global partners looking to the continent. The session also aims to identify solutions that can accelerate the agribusiness sector both at an intra-continental and inter-continental level.

The NOW Frontier

The Now Frontier BPA

Spotlighting successful and scalable models and strategies and exploring existing barriers for global partnerships in the agribusiness sector in Africa.